Help with local construction projects working alongside staff and other volunteers

Introduction

Madagascar is one of the last major landmasses on Earth to be colonized by humans and it a rich and colourful country which has a unique ecosystem. The island’s separation from Africa due to a cataclysmic earthquake has allowed it to undergo different evolutionary processes allowing many life forms to change little if at all over the course of millions of years. The first settlers found plentiful resources of food when they first arrived on the island, as well as almost no predators and an abundance of wildlife. The dense rainforests are the natural habitat of over 100 exotic species of animals found nowhere else on Earth including lemurs, dwarf hippos, giant tortoises, ten-feet tall elephant birds and many more. Madagascar’s first inhabitants were settlers from Indonesia, Arab and Persian traders and migrants from Africa who arrived at different times and although they lived in tribes, avoided segregation. Thanks to their coexistence and fusion, Madagascar has a beautiful and remarkably uniform society the result of a unique synthesis of race, language, religion, and traditions.

The Nosy Be Archipelago is a magnificent location off the north-west coast of Madagascar, with many islands and unique beaches offering stunning snorkelling and diving opportunities. Nosy Be is not overly touristic and rather relaxed with its sugar cane and vanilla plantations, rum distilleries, ylang ylang bushes and lounging lemurs. Visit the colourful markets, take a boat journey to the islands, enjoy a hike in the tropical forests and explore the Malagasy culture. Many restaurants are awaiting you to explore a variety of cuisines. Nosy Be is a charming location worth discovering!

The Construction and Renovation project aims to build and renovate buildings that are important for the growth and development of the small local communities in Nosy Be. You will get an opportunity to work alongside the local people on renovating, building and beautifying schools and community centres, public libraries and playgrounds. Your creative talents will contribute to a more aesthetic environment for the local community and improve the surroundings of the marginalized and underprivileged sections of the island’s communities. Working together with a local coordinator who will guide you and train you, you will join the local families and other participants in laying bricks, doing carpentry, painting, water proofing, laying tiles, landscaping/gardening and improving the community’s hygienic and sanitation facilities.

Explore this beautiful island nation while adding value to the quality of life of the local adults and children through construction and renovation.

Daily Life

Your first day will start with a meeting with your coordinator to discuss the requirements of the project and your contribution. You will participate in light construction work and will be expected to assist with painting school buildings, constructing and renovating playgrounds, making tables and chairs, making pathways, building toilets, repairing school walls and building new classrooms. There will be work needed in more than one place in the local area and it may be affected by the weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Travel and Accommodation

You will be staying in single-gender shared rooms which accommodate 4-6 people. There is a private bathroom and hot showers. Bed linens are provided however, you need to bring your own towels. The rooms are lockable and there are safety boxes available for any valuables you would like to keep stored.

In the centre you can relax in the mini library, the dining room and lounge area as well as the beautiful garden where you can interact with the other participants. There is WiFi available throughout the centre though it may be slow at times.

A refrigerator is available for you to store food and beverages if you wish.

Three meals a day on the weekdays and two meals on the weekends are provided. The food is a mix of Western and Malagasy dishes mainly including vegetarian dishes such as rice and vegetables. About twice a week there will be chicken served. There are local restaurants which you can explore or you can use the kitchen facilities to prepare food by yourself. Supermarkets are located around the project centre and are easily accessible.

Many ATMs are available in and around Hell-Ville. There are hospitals and pharmacies nearby.

Requirements

Minimum age 18.

Minimum 2 weeks commitment

You should be an active person with creative skills.

Have a cheerful disposition and be friendly & polite with local villagers.

Have clear plans and be able to organize the daily program with our coordinators.

Be a team member and be cooperative with local coordinators and other participants.

Necessary vaccinations, flight & visas.

Full travel & medical insurance. Full assistance will be provided in getting everything you will need ready if you choose our Placement Support Package.

What's Included:

What's not included:

Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Placement Support Package

For your trip, we will help you organise and plan everything you will need from start to finish. Our coordinators know each project & country like the back of their hand, and will be able to offer personalised advice to ensure your trip is well-planned & executed to perfection.

This includes one-to-one assistance planning and booking;

Pre-departure Support - Flights, Visas, Vaccinations, Insurance, Essential Items and anything else you will need before you set off.

Ongoing In-country Support - whilst you are on the project you can Contact us at any time with any questions or concerns and we will do whatever we can to help.

24/7 Emergency Support - a phone number that you or your family can ring at any time, night or day in case of emergency.

Our Placement Support Package costs £349 / $449 / €425 per person, and can be purchased once you are ready to confirm your place.